Central Bank, UNDP expand financial inclusion partnership
COLOMBO – The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) on Tuesday (16) launched the second phase of their partnership to strengthen financial literacy nationwide, reaffirming a joint commitment to improving financial inclusion and economic resilience across the country.
The renewed collaboration supports the implementation of Sri Lanka’s National Financial Literacy Roadmap (2024–2028), a key component of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS), aimed at equipping citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions.
The partnership was formally marked during a meeting between Central Bank Governor Dr P. Nandalal Weerasinghe and UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, Azusa Kubota, alongside senior representatives of both institutions.
Building on technical support provided by UNDP during 2024 and 2025, the initiative seeks to enhance financial literacy among individuals, households, entrepreneurs, and vulnerable communities, helping strengthen livelihoods, improve financial management, and build long-term economic resilience.
Under the second phase, the partnership will focus on three key areas. The first is strengthening national capacity through the training of government Development Officers across all districts to deliver financial literacy programs to rural communities and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The training will be based on the financial literacy curriculum developed by the Central Bank, with UNDP supporting the integration of climate-resilient financial management practices into the programme.
The second component involves a nationwide advocacy and communications campaign designed to improve public awareness of financial literacy and encourage responsible financial behaviour.
The third area focuses on integrating financial literacy into UNDP’s broader economic empowerment and MSME support initiatives, enabling beneficiaries to improve financial decision-making, strengthen resilience, and expand economic opportunities.
The program aligns with national efforts to expand financial access, improve financial knowledge, and promote informed decision-making among citizens. It is also supported by a range of development and private-sector partners, including the Government of Japan, Chrysalis, Visa, Hirdaramani-Lacoste, and other stakeholders involved in advancing financial literacy initiatives.
Commenting on the partnership, Central Bank Governor Dr Weerasinghe said the collaboration would help expand the reach and effectiveness of financial literacy programmes across the country.
“We particularly welcome the focus on strengthening financial resilience, climate-related financial preparedness, public awareness campaigns and capacity-building through Training-of-Trainers programmes. These initiatives will help broaden the reach of financial literacy efforts and ensure that different segments of society have access to relevant and practical financial knowledge,” he said.
He added that improving financial knowledge and skills would encourage positive financial behaviour and contribute to the overall financial well-being of Sri Lankans while supporting inclusive and sustainable economic development.
UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota said financial literacy remains a critical foundation for inclusive and resilient economies.
“Through our partnership with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, we have been working to empower individuals, particularly those most vulnerable, with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions and build secure livelihoods,” she said.
Kubota noted that the initiative reflects UNDP’s continued commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts to enhance financial inclusion, economic resilience and sustainable development.
Leveraging its global expertise in inclusive growth, sustainable finance, MSME development, climate resilience and strategic communications, UNDP said it will continue to support national efforts while scaling up impact through ongoing and future programmes.
The initiative is expected to strengthen financial capability across Sri Lanka, contributing to more resilient households, greater economic participation, and sustainable development outcomes.
–ENCL
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